Connector for cabinet or shelf structure

ABSTRACT

Connectors for coupling a first portion of a cabinet or shelf structure to one or more second portions of the cabinet or shelf structure may include an acceptor and one or more inserts. The acceptor may be coupled to the first portion of the structure. Each insert may be coupled to one of the second portions of the structure. The acceptor and/or the insert(s) may be elongated to provide support and/or reinforcement to the structure. The acceptor may include an opening with a recess. The insert(s) may include a protrusion complementary in shape to the recess. The acceptor may be coupled to the insert(s) to substantially perpendicularly couple the first portion of the structure to the second portion(s) of the structure. A fastener may be used to couple the acceptor to the insert(s). The connector may allow for assembly and disassembly of the structure.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to connectors for cabinet orshelf structures. A connector may be used to couple a first portion of acabinet or shelf structure substantially perpendicularly to one or moresecond portions of the cabinet or shelf structure. The connector mayprovide support and/or reinforcement for portions of the cabinet orshelf structure. The connector may allow disassembly and/or reassemblyof the cabinet or shelf structure.

2. Description of Related Art

Connectors have been used to couple panels of a structure together. Forexample, panels of cabinets and shelves may be coupled with L-shapedbrackets screwed to the panels. L-shaped brackets screwed to the panelsoffer limited reinforcement of a structure and may not allow efficientassembly/disassembly of the structure. Other connectors include a pin orstud inserted in a prepared hole in a furniture sidewall and removablyinserted in a holding piece in a second furniture component at rightangles to the furniture sidewall so that the pin supports the weight ofthe second component. U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,353 to Busse, which isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, describes aconnector that allows detachable connecting of two structural parts thatabut perpendicularly to each other. Structures with unreinforced panels(e.g., frameless cabinets) may require more support and/or reinforcementthan connectors generally known in the art provide.

SUMMARY

A cabinet or shelf structure may include a first portion of thestructure and one or more second portions of the structure. A connectormay couple the first portion of the structure to one or more secondportions of the structure. The connector may include an acceptor and oneor more inserts. In some embodiments, the connector may include afastener. An acceptor may be coupled to the first portion of thestructure. In some embodiments, an acceptor may include a taperedportion. An insert may be coupled to the second portion of thestructure. In some embodiments, an insert may include a tapered portion.In certain embodiments, a tapered portion of an acceptor and a taperedportion of an insert may couple such that the acceptor and the insertcan couple a first portion of a structure to a second portion of thestructure. In an embodiment, a fastener may couple an acceptor to one ormore inserts.

A method of coupling a first portion of a cabinet or shelf structure toa second portion of the cabinet or shelf structure may include couplingan acceptor to the first portion of the structure and coupling an insertto the second portion of the structure. In some embodiments, an acceptorand an insert may include tapered portions. In certain embodiments, atapered portion of an acceptor may be coupled to a tapered portion of aninsert to couple a first portion of a structure to a second portion ofthe structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art with the benefit of the following detaileddescription and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of members of a T connector.

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of an embodiment of an insert.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled Tconnector.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a T connector coupled toedges of portions of a structure.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of an embodiment of members of an L connector.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled Lconnector.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of an embodiment an L connector coupled toedges of portions of a structure.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of an embodiment of members of an X connector.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of a fastener for an X connector.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an insert of an Xconnector.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled Xconnector.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of an embodiment of an X connector coupled toedges of portions of a structure.

FIG. 13 depicts a front view of an embodiment of a structure coupledwith connectors.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a structurecoupled with connectors.

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a connector coupled toedges of portions of a structure.

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a connector coupled toedges of portions of a structure.

While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Thedrawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that thedrawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit theinvention to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as definedby the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A connector for a cabinet or shelf structure may provide support and/orreinforcement for portions of the structure. As used herein, “cabinet orshelf structure,” or “structure,” refers to a structure with two or moreportions connected substantially perpendicularly. A structure mayinclude, but is not limited to, a case or a cupboard with one or moreshelves and/or doors (e.g., a bookcase, a utility shelf, anentertainment center, a closet, a kitchen cabinet, a storage cabinet, atrunk, a locker). A structure may include furniture constructed of woodor any other material. In some embodiments, a structure may have aframe. In certain embodiments, a structure may be frameless. As usedherein, a “portion” of a structure may include any stationary part ofthe structure. For example, a portion of a structure may include, but isnot limited to, a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, a back, aside, or a shelf. Portions of a structure may be made from naturallyoccurring or synthetic materials including, but not limited to one ormore woods, metals, polymers, composites, and/or laminates. In someembodiments, a structure may be made of molded plastic panels.

A connector for a structure may include two or more members. Forexample, a connector for a structure may include two members. Members ofa connector may be made from materials including, but not limited to,metals, polymers, and composites. In some embodiments, a connector mayinclude an acceptor and an insert. The acceptor may be coupled to afirst portion of a structure. The insert may be coupled to a secondportion of the structure. As used herein, “coupled” refers to directlyjoined (e.g., touching) or indirectly joined (e.g., joined with one ormore at least partially intervening elements). “Coupling a first memberto a second member” may be used interchangeably with “coupling a secondmember to a first member.” As used herein, two elements that are“joined” are held together with or without a joining member. As usedherein, “coupling” includes reversibly, removably, and/or detachablycoupling, as well as joining, connecting, fastening, fixing, securing,and attaching. In some embodiments, all or part of a connector (e.g., anacceptor and/or an insert) may be fabricated in one or more moldedplastic portions (e.g., panels) of a structure.

In an embodiment, an acceptor and/or an insert may be positioned in arecess (e.g., a groove) in a first portion and/or a second portion of astructure, respectively. In some embodiments, the acceptor may bedesigned to receive a portion of the insert. For example, the acceptormay include an opening (e.g., a recess) to receive a protrusion of aninsert. An opening of an acceptor may be tapered. A taperedcross-sectional shape of the acceptor opening may include, but is notlimited to, irregular (e.g., keyed) shapes and regular shapes such assquare, rectangular, triangular, and circular (e.g., an opening with aconical shape) shapes. A protrusion of an insert may have a taperedshape that couples with (e.g., mates with, is complementary to) theopening of the acceptor. Coupling of the insert and the acceptor maycouple the first portion of the structure to the second portion of thestructure. In some embodiments, a connector for a structure may includea fastener designed to couple an insert to an acceptor of the connector.In certain embodiments, a fastener designed to couple an acceptor to aninsert may be a threaded fastener.

In an embodiment, portions of a structure may be shipped to adestination and assembled on site with one or more connectors to formthe structure. For example, frameless cabinets may be assembled in akitchen in which the cabinets are to be installed. In some embodiments,a connector may be used to couple portions of a structure to form acorner (e.g., an exterior corner) of the structure. For example, one ormore “L” connectors may be used to secure a horizontal portion of astructure (e.g., a top) to a vertical portion of a structure (e.g., aside) of a structure such that the portions of the structure form asubstantially 90° angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, a“T” connector may be used to secure a horizontal portion of a structure(e.g., a shelf) to a vertical portion of a structure (e.g., a side) suchthat the portions of the structure form a substantially 90° anglerelative to each other. In certain embodiments, an “X” connector may beused to secure two horizontal portions of a structure to a verticalportion of a structure such that the horizontal portions of thestructure form substantially 90° angles relative to the vertical portionof the structure. As used herein, “vertical” and “horizontal” may beused interchangeably. For example, a horizontal portion of a structuremay become a vertical portion of a structure by turning the structure by90°.

In some embodiments, portions of a structure may be prepared (e.g.,grooves may be formed in the portions) to allow coupling of acceptorsand inserts to the portions of the structure. The acceptors and insertsmay be coupled to the portions of the structure before the structure isassembled. The acceptors and inserts may be coupled to each other tocouple (e.g., secure) the portions of the structure. In certainembodiments, portions of a structure may be clamped in position beforegrooves are formed in the portions. After the grooves are formed,connectors may be placed in the grooves to couple the portions of thestructure. In some embodiments, acceptors and inserts may be placed(e.g., fastened) in the grooves and then coupled. In some embodiments,acceptors and inserts may be coupled and then placed (e.g., fastened) inthe grooves. In certain embodiments, trim may be coupled to thestructure to conceal the connectors from view and enhance the appearanceof the structure. In certain embodiments, one or more plugs may beinserted in one or more openings in a portion of a structure to conceala portion of a connector (e.g., a head of a fastener) from view.

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of members of T connector100. T connector 100 may be designed to secure a horizontal portion of astructure (e.g., a shelf, a horizontal divider, a top, a base) to avertical portion of a structure (e.g., a side, a vertical divider). Tconnector 100 may include acceptor 102, insert 104, and fastener 106.Fastener 106 may be of any size and/or length suitable to coupleacceptor 102 to insert 104. For example, fastener 106 may be 1 cm, 1.25cm, 1.5 cm, 1.75 cm, or 2 cm in length. Acceptor 102 and insert 104 maybe elongated to provide support and/or reinforcement to a structure. Insome embodiments, a length of acceptor 102 may be from about 10 cm toabout 30 cm. For example, a length of acceptor 102 may be about 15 cm.In some embodiments, a length of insert 104 may be from about 5 cm toabout 20 cm. For example, a length of insert 104 may be about 10 cm. Atransverse cross section of acceptor 102 and insert 104 may besubstantially square with sides of, for example, about 1 cm to about 3cm. Lengths and/or thicknesses of acceptor 102 and insert 104 may bechosen to provide desired support and/or reinforcement for a chosenstructure. Greater lengths and/or thicknesses may provide additionalsupport and/or reinforcement to a structure (e.g., a frameless cabinet).In some embodiments, one or more ends of acceptor 102 and/or insert 104may be curved and/or rounded.

Acceptor 102 and/or insert 104 may include openings 108. Openings 108may allow acceptor 102 and/or insert 104 to be coupled (e.g., fastened)to a portion of a structure. Acceptor 102 may include opening 110.Opening 110 may include recess 112. In some embodiments, recess 112 ofopening 110 may be sized and/or shaped to receive protrusion 114 ofinsert 104. In some embodiments, recess 112 may be tapered. In someembodiments, protrusion 114 may be tapered. A size and/or shape ofprotrusion 114 may be complementary to a size and/or a shape of recess112 of opening 110. In some embodiments, protrusion 114 may mate withrecess 112 of opening 110. Fastener 106 may be inserted through opening110 of acceptor 102 and into opening 116 of insert 104 to couple theacceptor to the insert. In-some embodiments, opening 116 may be athreaded opening and fastener 106 may be a threaded fastener.

FIG. 2 depicts an end view of an embodiment of insert 104 withprotrusion 114 and opening 116. Protrusion 114 may be of any desiredcross-sectional shape and/or size to allow coupling of insert 104 withrecess 112 of acceptor 102. As shown in FIG. 2, protrusion 114 may havea substantially square cross section. A substantially square crosssection may promote stability of coupling between insert 104 andacceptor 102. A substantially square cross section may inhibit rotationof insert 104 relative to acceptor 102. Protrusion 114 may becomplementary to recess 112 of opening 110. In some embodiments,protrusion 114 may fit snugly in recess 112 to enhance stability of Tconnector 100.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of assembled Tconnector 100 including acceptor 102 and insert 104 coupled withfastener 106. FIG. 4 depicts a top view of acceptor 102 and insert 104positioned in grooves 118 and coupled to first portion 120 and secondportion 122 of structure 124 with fasteners 126 positioned throughopenings 108. Grooves 118 may be formed in edges of first portion 120and second portion 122. In some embodiments, grooves 118 may have awidth of about 0.5 cm to about 2.5 cm. For example, groove 118 may havea width of about 1.25 cm. Grooves 118 may be sized such that acceptor102 and insert 104 fit snugly in the grooves. Acceptor 102 may becoupled to insert 104 with fastener 106. In some embodiments, opening128 may be formed in first portion 120 to allow passage of fastener 106through the first portion, through opening 110 of acceptor 102, and intoopening 116 of insert 104.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of members of L connector 130. L connector 130may be designed to secure a vertical portion of a structure (e.g., aside) to a horizontal portion of the structure (e.g., a top, a bottom).L connector 130 may include acceptor 132, insert 104, and fastener 106.In some embodiments, a length of acceptor 132 may be from about 5 cm toabout 20 cm. For example, a length of acceptor 132 may be about 10 cm.In some embodiments, a length of insert 104 may be from about 5 cm toabout 20 cm. For example, a length of insert 104 may be about 10 cm.Lengths and/or thicknesses of acceptor 132 and insert 104 may be chosento provide desired support and/or reinforcement for a chosen structure.Greater lengths and/or thicknesses may provide additional support and/orreinforcement to a structure (e.g., a frameless cabinet).

Acceptor 132 and/or insert 104 may include openings 108. Openings 108may allow acceptor 132 and/or insert 104 to be coupled to a portion of astructure. Acceptor 132 may include opening 110. Opening 110 may includerecess 112. In some embodiments, recess 112 of opening 110 may be sizedand/or shaped to receive protrusion 114 of insert 104. In someembodiments, recess 112 may be tapered. In some embodiments, protrusion114 may be tapered. A size and/or shape of protrusion 114 may becomplementary to a size and/or a shape of recess 112 of opening 110. Insome embodiments, protrusion 114 may mate with recess 112 of opening110. Fastener 106 may be inserted through opening 110 of acceptor 102and into opening 116 of insert 104 to couple the acceptor to the insert.In some embodiments, opening 116 may be a threaded opening and fastener106 may be a threaded fastener.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of acceptor 132 andinsert 104 coupled with fastener 106 to form L connector 130. FIG. 7depicts a top view of an embodiment of acceptor 132 and insert 104positioned in groove 118 and coupled to first and second portions 120,122 of structure 124 with fasteners 126 positioned through openings 108.Acceptor 132 may be coupled to insert 104 with fastener 106. In someembodiments, opening 128 may be formed in first portion 120 to allowpassage of fastener 106 through the first portion, through opening 110of acceptor 132, and into opening 116 of insert 104.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of members of X connector 134. X connector 134may include acceptor 136 and inserts 138. Acceptor 136 and/or inserts138 may include openings 108 to allow the acceptor and/or the inserts tobe coupled to a portion of a structure. Acceptor 136 may include opening140. Fastener 142, depicted in FIG. 9, may be fastened in opening 140 tocouple one or more inserts 138 to acceptor 136. In some embodiments, atleast a portion of opening 140 may be threaded.

Fastener 142 may be a flared hood bolt, as depicted in FIG. 9. Fastener142 may include circular ridge 144. A shape, size, and/or curvature ofridge 144 may be complementary to a shape, size, and/or curvature ofrecesses 146 of inserts 138 and recesses 148 of acceptor 136 (depictedin FIG. 8). Ridge 144 of fastener 142 may couple to recesses 146 to drawprotrusions 150 of inserts 138 toward recesses 152 of acceptor 136.Tightening fastener 142 to acceptor 136 may force ridge 144 intorecesses 146, 148 and tighten (e.g., clamp) inserts 138 to the acceptor(e.g., substantially perpendicular to the acceptor) when the fastener iscoupled to the acceptor. FIG. 10 depicts a side view of insert 138 withopenings 108, protrusion 150, and recess 146.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of acceptor 136 andinserts 138 assembled with fastener 142 to form X connector 134. FIG. 12depicts a top view of an embodiment of X connector 134 positioned ingroove 118 and coupled to first portion 120 and second portions 122 ofstructure 124 with fasteners 126. Fastener 142 may couple inserts 138 toacceptor 136.

A structure may be assembled using one or more T connectors, one or moreL connectors and/or one or more X connectors. In an embodiment, some Tconnectors, L connectors, and X connectors may be used interchangeably.In some embodiments, acceptors and inserts may be coupled to portions ofa structure before the acceptors are coupled to the inserts. In certainembodiments, portions of a structure may be held together (e.g.,clamped) in a desired position while grooves are formed in edges of theportions and assembled connectors are coupled to the structure.

FIG. 13 depicts a front view of an embodiment of structure 124 with base154, top 156, sides 158, and horizontal divider 160 coupled with 4 Tconnectors 100 (2 in the front and 2 in the back, connecting sides 158with horizontal divider 160) and 8 L connectors 130 (4 in the front and4 in the back, connecting sides 158 to base 154 and top 156). In anembodiment, horizontal divider 160 may be a shelf. In some embodiments,a portion of structure 124 (e.g., horizontal divider 160) may fit in agroove in another portion of the structure (e.g., side 158) for addedstability. FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment ofstructure 124 with base 154, top 156, sides 158, and horizontal dividers160 coupled with T connectors 100 (e.g., 4 in the front and 4 in theback, connecting sides 158 to horizontal dividers 160 and connectingbase 154 and top 156 to vertical divider 162), L connectors 130 (e.g., 4in the front and 4 in the back, connecting sides 158 to base 154 and top156), and X connectors 134 (e.g., 1 in the front and one in the back,connecting horizontal dividers 160 with vertical divider 162).

In some embodiments, a fastener used to couple an acceptor to an insertmay be concealed from view with a plug that fits in an opening of aportion of a structure. FIG. 15 depicts a top view of an embodiment ofacceptor 102. Plug 164 may be positioned in opening 128 of first portion120 to conceal fastener 106 from view. In certain embodiments, anacceptor of a connector (e.g., an L connector) may be advantageouslypositioned (e.g., in an edge of a top and/or a base of a structure, asdepicted in FIG. 7) such that openings 128 for fasteners 106 are locatedin the top and/or base and are therefore not readily visible. In anembodiment, plug 164 may be formed of the same material as first portion120. In some embodiments, plug 164 may be formed from a differentmaterial than first portion 120. Plug 164 may be, for example, a plasticplug, a metal plug, wooden plug, or a paper plug. Plug 164 may becoupled to an opening in a portion of a structure with, for example, anadhesive. In certain embodiments, plug 164 may be an adhesive-backedsticker.

In some embodiments, connectors used to couple portions of a structuremay be covered with trim to conceal the connectors from view followingassembly of the structure. FIG. 16 depicts a side view of first portion120 of a structure with acceptor 102 coupled to the portion. Trim 166may be coupled (e.g., adhered) to an edge of first portion 120 toconceal the top of acceptor 102 and fasteners 126 from view. Trim 166may match or contrast with material of first portion 120. A secondportion of the structure may be positioned in groove 118 such that aprotrusion of an insert coupled to the second portion couples withrecess 112 of acceptor 102.

In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, andother materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference.The text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and othermaterials is, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent thatno conflict exists between such text and the other statements anddrawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, then any suchconflicting text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S.patent applications, and other materials is specifically notincorporated by reference in this patent.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as examples of embodiments. Elements and materials maybe substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts andprocesses may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may beutilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in theart after having the benefit of this description of the invention.Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the followingclaims.

1. A cabinet or shelf structure, comprising: a first portion of thestructure; a second portion of the structure; an acceptor coupled to thefirst portion of the structure, wherein the acceptor comprises a taperedportion; an insert coupled to the second portion of the structure,wherein the insert comprises a tapered portion; wherein the taperedportion of the acceptor is configured to couple to the tapered portionof the insert such that the acceptor and the insert can couple the firstportion of the structure to the second portion of the structure.
 2. Thecabinet or shelf structure of claim 1, wherein the cabinet or shelfstructure is a frameless cabinet.
 3. The cabinet or shelf structure ofclaim 1, further comprising a fastener, wherein the fastener isconfigured to couple the acceptor to the insert.
 4. (canceled) 5.(canceled)
 6. The cabinet or shelf structure of claim 1, wherein thefirst portion of the structure comprises a groove, and wherein theacceptor is positioned in the groove.
 7. The cabinet or shelf structureof claim 1, wherein the second portion of the structure comprises agroove, and wherein the insert is positioned in the groove.
 8. Thecabinet or shelf structure of claim 1, wherein the tapered portion ofthe insert comprises a protrusion.
 9. The cabinet or shelf structure ofclaim 1, wherein the tapered portion of the insert comprises an endportion of the insert.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The cabinet or shelf structureof claim 1, wherein the tapered portion of the insert comprises athreaded opening configured to receive a fastener.
 12. The cabinet orshelf structure of claim 1, wherein the tapered portion of the acceptorcomprises an opening configured to receive the tapered portion of theinsert, and configured to receive a fastener such that the fastener,when inserted into the opening of the acceptor and an opening of theinsert, can couple the first portion of the structure to the secondportion of the structure.
 13. The cabinet or shelf structure of claim 1,wherein the acceptor comprises at least one acceptor opening configuredto allow a fastener to pass through such acceptor opening and couple theacceptor to the first portion of the structure, and the insert comprisesat least one insert opening configured to allow a fastener to passthrough such insert opening and couple the insert to the second portionof the structure.
 14. (canceled)
 15. A connector for a cabinet or shelfstructure, comprising: an acceptor configured to be coupled to a firstportion of the structure, wherein the acceptor comprises a taperedportion; an insert configured to be coupled to a second portion of thestructure, wherein the insert comprises a tapered portion; and whereinthe tapered portion of the acceptor and the tapered portion of theinsert are configured to couple such that the acceptor and the insertcan couple the first portion of the structure to the second portion ofthe structure. 16-18. (canceled)
 19. The connector of claim 15, furthercomprising a fastener, wherein the fastener is configured to couple theacceptor to the insert.
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. The connectorof claim 15, wherein the tapered portion of the insert comprises aprotrusion.
 23. The connector of claim 15, wherein the tapered portionof the insert comprises an end portion of the insert.
 24. The connectorof claim 15, wherein the tapered portion of the insert comprises anopening configured to receive a fastener.
 25. The connector of claim 15,wherein the tapered portion of the insert comprises a threaded openingconfigured to receive a fastener.
 26. The connector of claim 15, whereinthe tapered portion of the acceptor comprises an opening configured toreceive the tapered portion of the insert, and configured to receive afastener such that the fastener, when inserted into the opening of theacceptor and an opening of the insert, can couple the first portion ofthe structure to the second portion of the structure.
 27. (canceled) 28.The connector of claim 15, wherein the acceptor comprises at least oneacceptor opening configured to allow a fastener to pass through suchacceptor opening and couple the acceptor to the first portion of thestructure, and the insert comprises at least one insert openingconfigured to allow a fastener to pass through such insert opening andcouple the insert to the second portion of the structure.
 29. Aconnector for a cabinet or shelf structure, comprising: an acceptorconfigured to be coupled to a first portion of the structure, whereinthe acceptor comprises a tapered portion; one or more inserts, each ofthe inserts configured to be coupled to one of one or more secondportions of the structure, and wherein each insert comprises a taperedportion; and wherein the tapered portion of the acceptor and the taperedportion of each insert are configured to couple such that the acceptorand each insert can couple the first portion of the structure to one ofthe second portions of the structure. 30-42. (canceled)
 43. A method ofcoupling a first portion of a cabinet or shelf structure to a secondportion of the cabinet or shelf structure, comprising: coupling anacceptor to the first portion of the structure, wherein the acceptorcomprises a tapered portion; coupling an insert to the second portion ofthe structure, wherein the insert comprises a tapered portion; andcoupling the tapered portion of the acceptor to the tapered portion ofthe insert to couple the first portion of the structure to the secondportion of the structure. 44-52. (canceled)